The importance of early intervention for children: Why starting support early leads to better outcomes.
Early intervention helps children with developmental delay or disability get supports as soon as possible. It also empowers families to feel confident about their child’s future. By starting early, children can build important skills during the years when their brains grow fastest. Key terms: Early intervention: Getting a child with developmental delay access to supports services as early as possible Early Childhood Approach: A program run by the NDIS for children under 6 with developmental delay or under 9 with disability Early connections: Is about giving quick access to support a child to develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities. What is the Early Childhood Approach (previously known as Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI))? Under the Early Childhood Approach, children younger than 9 with disability (or children under 6 with developmental delay) can access supports. These supports might include: Physiotherapy to develop motor skills Speech therapy to improve communication Social playgroups that help children interact and build friendships. You don’t need to apply for the NDIS to access supports under the ECA. Some children and their families can access early connections and supports outside of the NDIS. Others will be assisted to apply for the NDIS,
